All About Landscaping Fabric

Landscaping fabric is a type of durable fabric that is used to prevent unwanted plant growth in flower beds, rock gardens, and lawns. Depending on how it is made, landscaping fabric can have different characteristics. Some types of landscaping fabric are woven and porous, while others are solid and impermeable.

Landscaping fabric is made from a variety of fibers and can be woven or processed. Common fibers used in the production of landscaping fabric include jute, polyester, and polyethylene. Landscaping fabrics made from natural fibers like jute are environmentally friendly, permeable, and decompose into the ground. Synthetically made landscaping fabrics manufactured from fibers like polyester and polyethylene are long lasting, durable, and can be made to be impermeable.

Landscaping fabric is used as a physical barrier between the earth, and gardens or lawns. Use landscaping fabric to prevent sunlight, and sometimes water, from reaching the ground underneath the fabric. Without sunlight or water, seeds buried in the soil cannot germinate and grow into unwanted plants or weeds. Additionally, waterproof landscaping fabric will keep lawns, plants, and trees hydrated by preventing water loss. Furthermore, landscaping fabric can be used to mitigate soil erosion by stabilizing the ground and preventing water from washing away dirt.

Installing landscaping fabric is quick and easy. First remove any vegetation from the area you want to lay the landscaping fabric down. This may include any grasses or plants. Next, clear the space from any debris like rocks or sticks, and ensure the area is flat and level. Now lay the landscaping fabric down and secure it with stakes or landscaping staples. If you are planting large plants, shrubs, or trees, cut a hole in the landscaping fabric at a desired position. Place the plant, shrub, or tree in the cut hole so that the roots can reach the earth. For the next step, cover the landscaping fabric with mulch, dirt, sand, or stones. Finally, if applicable, plant any small plants or lay down grass seed on top of the landscaping fabric.

Landscaping fabric can last anywhere from 4 months to several hundred years. The lifespan of landscaping fabric depends on what materials it was made from. Landscaping fabrics made from natural fibers like jute will start to decompose after 4 to 6 months. While this may seem like a short time, natural landscaping fabrics are ideal for helping plants, shrubs, and trees grow from a sprout or seedling until they are an adult and can survive outdoors. Landscaping fabrics made from synthetic materials are more durable than those made from natural materials and can last for many years without any maintenance. When using synthetically made landscaping fabrics, keep in mind that when planting any grasses, plants, shrubs, and trees, their roots will not be able to pass through the fabric.